Community Advocacy Intern
Aminah Awawdeh
Aminah is a junior at Montclair State University, majoring in Political Science with minors in International Studies and Global Security & Diplomacy. Passionate about advocacy and civic engagement, Aminah currently serves as President of her university’s Muslim Student Association. She has previously interned with CAIR-NY, the World Federation of United Nations Associations, and the Victory 2024 campaign, gaining experience in grassroots organizing, policy research and community outreach. In her free time, Aminah enjoys photography and exploring new places. She is excited to join CAIR-NJ as a Community Advocacy Intern and contribute to meaningful work that empowers New Jersey’s Muslim communities.
Government Affairs Intern
Shafiq Ali
Shafiq Ali is a rising sophomore at Rutgers University – Newark, majoring in Political Science. As a first generation college student, he is deeply motivated to give back to his family and community. Passionate about politics, government and public service, Shafiq has remained active in his Newark community through consistent volunteer work and youth leadership at his local mosque through the Young Muslims program.
He interned at Audible, where he worked in the Global Center for Urban Development and the Legal department. He gained hands-on experience researching small businesses, drafting legal agreements and collaborating with professionals across law, business and government. He also developed strong communication and public speaking skills through presentations and networking.
Shafiq is eager to continue growing in government affairs and advocacy. He looks forward to contributing to CAIR-NJ’s mission, where he can apply his skills and experiences to support equitable development and serve the needs of marginalized communities.
Communications Intern
Rahil Chatterjee
Rahil is a fourth-year student at Rutgers New Brunswick, double majoring in Marketing and Journalism & Media Studies along with a minor in Digital Communications, Information and Media. He is the News Director at the Rutgers Radio, WRSU. He is interested in politics and news, and hopes to pursue a career in journalism in the future. Rahil is currently an intern of communications at CAIR-NJ, where he hopes to grow his communication skills in the field of advocacy.
Operations Management Intern
Aqib Khan
Aqib Khan is a rising sophomore at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, pursuing a double major in Finance and Supply Chain Management. Aqib is an active member of Old Bridge’s Young Muslims chapter and is heavily involved within his community at the Islamic Center of Old Bridge, regularly participating in religious activities. In addition, he is set to join the United Mission Relief team at Rutgers, where he looks forward to supporting humanitarian efforts through engaging and collaborative events on campus. Aqib is passionate about advocacy and believes in the importance of uplifting and giving back to his community through meaningful involvement. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching sports and spending time with his family and friends. Aqib is excited to grow through this experience, supporting CAIR-NJ’s mission of empowering the Muslim community and promoting justice across New Jersey.
Project Management Intern
Kamyaar Khan
Kamyaar Khan is a senior at Rutgers University, majoring in Information Technology and Informatics along with a minor in English. He is passionate about technology, public service and strategic leadership. Kamyaar currently serves as president of the Muslim Student Association at Rutgers — one of the largest MSAs in the country — and has held several other executive board roles within Muslim-focused organizations. His leadership experience includes overseeing large teams, organizing community-wide events and managing logistics for educational, creative, and service-based programming. He has also worked in clinical operations, academic support and emergency medical services, allowing him to develop strong skills in project coordination and problem-solving. Kamyaar is excited to contribute to CAIR-NJ’s mission and gain deeper insight into nonprofit work and Muslim advocacy. In his free time, he enjoys exploring history, going on road trips and raising poultry.
Graphic Design Intern
Ruqayya Mahmoud
Ruqayya Mahmoud is a rising senior at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, majoring in Information Technology and Informatics with a minor in Art. She serves as co-president of United Mission for Relief at Rutgers, where she leads student-driven initiatives centered on humanitarian service and advocacy. Actively involved in the Muslim community on and off campus, she also serves on the organizing committee for Muslim Interscholastic Tournament – NJ, helping create engaging experiences for Muslim youth across the region.
As the Graphic Design Intern on CAIR-NJ communications team, Ruqayya hopes to contribute her growing experience in creative strategy, photography, and UX design to help amplify community voices and support CAIR-NJ’s mission of justice and representation. She is passionate about learning how to use design to empower Muslim youth, build inclusive spaces, and support meaningful storytelling and advocacy.
In her free time, Ruqayya enjoys photography and giving back to the communities that continue to shape her.
Development Intern
Muhammed Taha Shaikh
Muhammed Taha Shaikh is a rising sophomore at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, pursuing a double major in Business Analytics and Information Technology and Supply Chain Management. Passionate about campus engagement, Taha is actively involved with the Rutgers Muslim Student Association and serves as a senator in the Rutgers Student Governing Association. Outside of Rutgers, Taha sits on the New Jersey Shura as a state representative for Young Muslims, the nation’s largest grassroots Muslim youth organization, leading its state operations. He is also a second-year student in the Islamic Learning Foundation’s Murabbi program and regularly delivers khutbahs across New Jersey. In his personal time, Taha enjoys reading and expanding his collection of Islamic literature, playing golf, and giving back to his community through volunteering. Taha is very excited to join CAIR-NJ in his role as a Donor Engagement Intern!